. >> their high-rise public housing buildings are still without power or heat, and abc's steve osunsami went to find out why. >> reporter: we went climbing the long and dark stairs in redhook, brooklyn, at the new york city housing authority where thousands of family are living without heat and electricity. some of the 47,000 without power across the city. >> you just have to, well, pray and hope for the best. >> reporter: we found nia tarver and her family using steam from boiling water to keep warm. >> thank god my stove works. if we didn't have the stove, it -- i don't think i would stay here. >> reporter: the stove is what is keeping you warm? >> yeah. >> reporter: outside, long lines at the relief agencies for bread, blankets and suits. red cross agencies are here. families are entering their third week without power, and they want someone held accountable. >> we were left behind. that's all i can say. left behind. we, too, pay taxes. >> reporter: they worry there is no one rushing to restore the power here because they're poor. local power utilities say they have done their job, t